Promise Made, Promise Kept – Guildwood Residents Stand Up to Dalton McGuinty in Scarborough
Bluffs residents have warned McGuinty they’re ready for a fight. “Residents won’t lay down,” said local activist John Laforet. Toronto Star: McGuinty Vows to Stop Wind-Farm NIMBYs February 11 2009
When Dalton McGuinty came to Scarborough six months after he and his Deputy Premier launched an unprecedented attack on Guildwood residents, residents stood up and made good on that pledge. With just a weekend to plan, we were able to get as many protesters as the Premier had guests at an Ontario Liberal Party BBQ intended to get Scarborough Provincial Liberals excited about the next election.
While the Ontario Liberal Party BBQ was organized by staff from taxpayer funded government offices at Queen’s Park, the food was provided by Enbridge – a wind farm developer, and the Premier tried to use his bodyguards to intimidate us into leaving – resident’s stood strong and sent their message loud and clear.
I am proud to have worked with so many Guildwood residents to organize this event. It was great to be joined by members of the community, members of the sailing community and to see folks whose lives have been personally affected by the wind installation at Ripley come out to tell Dalton McGuinty that all is not well for him and Ontario Liberals.
We were so clear with that message that CityTV led with tonight for the 11pm news. Below is that footage and some pictures taken by Jessica Laforet. If the video doesn’t work click on this link to CityTV News and watch the clip on their website.
Slide show of pictures:
Tags: Dalton McGuinty, Dalton McGuinty Protest, Dalton McGuinty Scarborough, Dalton McGuinty Scarborough Protest, Green Energy Act, Ontario Liberal Party, Save the Toronto Bluffs
August 12th, 2009 at 10:36 am
I trust Dalton didn’t end up with indigestion from the protest. We wouldn’t want our Great Leader to suffer from promoting his Green Dream to destroy all of Ontario with his idiotic Wind Binge!
August 12th, 2009 at 11:18 am
How about an accurate account of the number of protestors.
August 12th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Food provided by Enbridge for the big shots.Stray voltage,noise and lower property values for rural residents.Lets get rid of these jerks and look for honest people to run for gov’t.
August 12th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Anon – I was there and clearly stand behind my statements – who are you? Considering I have the RSVP list and was on site first, I think I have an accurate sense of the crowd.
August 12th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Anon – that was me purely by accident.
I was there and certainly didn’t see even half as many protesters as there were attendees.
RSVP list ?????????????????
August 12th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Kathy – We were in or near the parking lot the entire time, and I am certain the numbers I am providing are correct.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Hyperbole
August 13th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
You can accuse me of anything you’d like. I stand by my statements and have been very careful with what I’ve said.
I imagine attending an event with the Premier being protested isn’t the best way to start the 2011 kick off for Scarborough. It was the first time in my memory that the Premier or any Premier since I’ve been active in Scarborough politics has been protested.
Scarborough residents sent a strong message, stood up to intimidation by McGuinty’s body guards and will continue to send that message until the needs of this community are met, either by it’s current elected officials or the batch that will surely replace them post 2011, if their needs are not met.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
We sent a reply to the Scarboro Mirror reporter with our comments on his story:
Eric, You captured the events as they occurred, however, wondering why you do not mention the teacher from a small town, where 18 Wind Turbines were near her home. You spoke to her. She gave details of several cases re the health of these residents affected by the Wind Turbines and a medical doctor’s reports.
You seem to be leaning towards the politicians in this case and not appearing neutral.
The politicians were merely appeasing the protestors. Letters and emails of concerns were sent to all the politicians for over 1 year and they acted surprised.
McGuinty is ignoring the issues. You show the concerned community as merely angry. Some showed emotion; the majority of the members from our Organization, are educated and professional people who have researched the issues.
Please do a follow-up story, which includes details given by the lady who had spoken with you about her. We look forward to seeing this.
Thank you! Gloria and Thomas Haddrath
August 14th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
It was great to see you there Gloria and Thomas! Keep up the great work.